Actuating module for an electronic locking system and vehicle component

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuating module (4) for an electronic locking system (80), comprising at least: - an actuating unit (7) and - an actuating sensor (8) arranged in an interior (76) of the actuating unit (7) for triggering a switching function, in particular for unlocking and opening the electronic locking system (80), wherein the actuating unit (7) comprises at least an actuating surface (71 to 73, 720) directed towards an external environment and an inwards directed actuating element (74, 740) which is fixedly connected to the actuating surface (71 to 73, 720), wherein the actuating surface (71 to 73, 720) is elastically deformable and, when the actuating surface (71 to 73, 720) is actuated in the direction of the actuating sensor (8), the actuating element (74, 740) exerts an actuating stroke (H), wherein the actuating sensor (8) is configuredto detect an actuation stroke (H) at least in the micrometer range and to generate a trigger signal to initiate the switching function.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an actuating module for an electronic locking system, in particular for unlocking, locking, opening and / or closing the electronic locking system, especially an electronic lock of a movable vehicle element, in particular a vehicle door. The invention further relates to a vehicle component with such an actuating module.

[0002] For example, handle modules for vehicle doors, tailgates, or hoods are known from the prior art. These are usually equipped with a handle element that can be pivoted outwards to open the vehicle door, tailgate, or hood. Handle modules can also include electronic sensor modules for opening or closing a door lock.

[0003] For example, US Patent 2021 / 108450 A1 discloses a door handle assembly intended to be mounted on a door of a motor vehicle, wherein the door handle assembly comprises a handle, an actuating device and a first control device for opening the door, wherein the control device is integrated into the handle and is connected to an electrical unlocking system.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of providing an improved actuation module compared to the prior art, as well as a vehicle component, for example a handle module, a decorative element and / or a vehicle pillar, with such an actuation module.

[0005] The first problem is solved according to the invention by an actuation module having the features of claim 1. The second problem is solved according to the invention by a vehicle component having the features of claim 8.

[0006] The problem is solved according to the invention with an actuating module for an electronic locking system, wherein the actuating module comprises at least one actuating unit and an actuating sensor, for example capacitive, arranged inside the actuating unit for performing or triggering a switching function, for example for unlocking and opening the electronic locking system, wherein the actuating unit comprises at least one actuating surface directed towards an external environment and an inwards directed actuating element that is fixedly connected to the actuating surface, wherein the actuating surface is elastically deformable and, when the actuating surface is actuated in the direction of the actuating sensor, the actuating element exerts an actuating stroke, wherein the actuating sensor is configured to detect an actuating stroke at least in a micrometer range and to generate a trigger signal to trigger the switching function.

[0007] In other words, the actuating surface is elastically deformable upon actuation in such a way that the actuating surface, and thus the actuating element, can be moved towards the internal actuation sensor in a range of at least one micrometer (later also referred to as the µm range) to trigger the switching function. For example, the actuating module according to the invention can detect an actuation stroke of less than 10 µm.

[0008] The actuation module is compact and space-saving, and can be easily integrated into existing vehicle parts. The advantages of the invention lie in the fact that the actuation module can be easily integrated beneath the surfaces of existing or newly manufactured vehicle parts, vehicle components (e.g., so-called Class A parts), emblems, decorative elements, actuating elements (e.g., exterior or interior door handles), and B-pillars and C-pillars of a vehicle. The actuation module has high resolution and can detect an actuation, such as a press, in the micrometer range. This ease of use benefits, for example, different age groups and / or users with disabilities.Safe and reliable operation, in particular the reliable triggering of a switching function, can occur even with minimal force and / or minimal contact with the actuating surface. The switching and / or triggering functions may be deactivated while the vehicle is in motion.

[0009] The actuation module according to the invention is designed such that there is no need to generate a mechanical actuation stroke or mechanical actuation path. This can be achieved by a localized elastic deformation of the actuation surface. A vehicle component equipped with the actuation module according to the invention can also be visually enhanced.

[0010] In a further development, the actuation sensor comprises at least one sensor element fixed within the actuation unit and a trigger element movable relative to the sensor element. Movement of the actuation surface can, for example, also move the trigger element of the actuation sensor. The trigger element is, for example, an elastically deformable sheet metal, such as a spring steel or metal sheet, in particular a so-called MOC sheet (MOC = "metal-over-cap"). In particular, a deformation and / or a change in distance between the trigger element and the fixed sensor element of the actuation sensor can be detected even in the micrometer range.

[0011] The release element can be located between the sensor element of the actuator and the actuating surface. The release element can be spaced apart from the fixed sensor element and from the actuating surface. The release element can be elastically deformable or deformable, at least in some areas. The release element can be flexible, at least in some areas.

[0012] The actuating surface is provided, for example, with an actuating element designed as an actuating pin or actuator. The actuating element can be designed as an actuating plunger, a protrusion, or a lug formed on the actuating surface. When the actuating surface is actuated, the actuating element exerts the actuating stroke in the direction of the trigger element of the actuating sensor.

[0013] The actuating surface is provided, in particular on the inside, with the actuating element, which can move along with the actuating surface when the actuating surface is actuated and engages at least at specific points with the triggering element of the actuating sensor and deforms it over a surface, in particular bending it.

[0014] In this further development, the actuating element is made of a material with a higher strength than that of the actuating surface. The actuating surface is elastically deformable and / or flexible. The actuating element is a rigid component, for example, a fixed actuating plunger or actuating pin. The release element is also elastically deformable and / or flexible. The actuating element has a higher strength than both the release element and the actuating surface. An actuation applied to the actuating surface at a single point or over a surface can be converted into an actuating stroke acting on the release element at a single point by means of the rigid actuating element, whereby the release element is deformable over a surface or at a single point, in particular bendable.

[0015] In a further development, the release element is provided with a cover element made of plastic. The cover element can be elastically deformable or deformable, at least in part. The cover element can also be flexible, at least in part. When the actuating surface is pressed, the actuating element can exert an actuating stroke on the cover element and the release element. The release element can be coated on a side facing the actuating element with a plastic and / or with a cover element made of plastic. The plastic layer and / or the cover element is intended to shield the release element from a potting compound inside the actuating unit. In other words, the plastic layer or coating and / or the cover element protects the release element, in particular the release plate, from a potting compound.

[0016] The actuation module comprises an electronic evaluation unit which is connected to the actuation sensor, wherein, by means of the electronic evaluation unit, an actuation deformation or deformation, for example a deformation path or deformation path, in particular the actuation stroke of the actuation unit, can be determined based on a detected change in the capacitance of the actuation sensor, wherein the actuation sensor and the evaluation unit are configured such that, in the event of a detected actuation deformation or deformation, for example a deformation path or deformation path, in particular an actuation stroke of the actuation surface and thus of the actuating element, of a few micrometers (µm), a trigger signal for executing the switching function can be generated.

[0017] In other words, the actuation module comprises, within the actuation unit, at least one evaluation unit connected to the actuation sensor, at least via signal transmission. This evaluation unit is configured to trigger a switching signal for the switching function based on signals detected by the actuation sensor. The evaluation unit is designed to generate and trigger a switching signal when the actuation element's stroke is detected and / or when a change in the actuation sensor's capacitance is detected due to deformation of the trigger element towards the fixed sensor element of the actuation sensor.

[0018] According to the invention, the evaluation unit has at least one high-resolution analog-to-digital converter which is at least signal-wise connected to the actuation sensor and is configured to detect an actuation stroke of the actuation sensor in a micrometer range.

[0019] In particular, the capacitive actuation sensor and the electronic evaluation unit are designed in such a way that a minimal reversible actuation deformation or reversible actuation deformation in the µm range, for example less than 10 µm, can be detected.

[0020] For example, measured values ​​for the change in capacity are recorded with such a resolution and processed by the evaluation unit that a reversible actuation deformation or reversible actuation deformation of the actuation unit, in particular the actuation surface, of a maximum of 10 µm or less can be detected.

[0021] The solution described here requires only an actuation stroke, specifically a reversible actuation deformation, of just a few micrometers, for example, less than 10 µm. This can be achieved through the elastic deformation of plastic components within the actuation unit. Consequently, there is no longer any need for a mechanism and / or a deflection that would generate a travel distance greater than, for example, 1 mm.

[0022] The advantages achieved with the invention lie particularly in the fact that the actuation module requires very little installation space. This allows different vehicle surfaces (for example, so-called Class A surfaces) and / or a vehicle's outer skin to be provided with such an actuation module, resulting in an improved appearance and / or feel. Door handles, emblems, other vehicle components, actuation assemblies, and / or A-pillar and / or B-pillar covers of a vehicle can also be equipped with such an actuation module.

[0023] The actuation module can also include an inductive actuation sensor ("conductive touch") in a further training course.

[0024] The vehicle component according to the invention comprises at least one actuation module as described above, wherein the vehicle component is a door, a tailgate or a handle module or a vehicle pillar.

[0025] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. These show: Figure 1 schematically shows a vehicle with an externally arranged actuation module in perspective view, Figure 2 schematically shows an external door handle in perspective front view, Figure 3 schematically shows the external door handle in perspective rear view. Fig. 2 Figure 4 schematically shows a front view of an actuating unit of an actuating module with externally actuating surfaces; Figure 5 schematically shows a rear view of the actuating unit. Fig. 4 Figure 6 shows a schematic front view of an actuating module for an electronic locking system; Figure 7 shows a schematic side view of the actuating module according to Fig. 6 Figure 8 schematically shows the actuation module from below. Fig. 6Figure 9 shows a schematic sectional view of an actuation module, Figure 10 shows a schematic sectional view of another actuation module for an electronic locking system, Figure 11 shows a schematic sectional view of an actuation sensor of an actuation module for an electronic locking system, and Figure 12 shows a schematic block diagram of a function of the actuation module.

[0026] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0027] Figure 1 Figure 1 schematically shows a vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 has several electronically switchable areas on its exterior. For example, the vehicle 1 has an actuation module 4 for an electronic locking system 80 in the area of ​​a door 2 and / or a tailgate 3, as shown in Figure 1. Figure 12The diagram illustrates the operation of the electronic locking system 80, in particular an electronic lock, for unlocking, locking, opening and / or closing the door 2 and / or the tailgate 3. Specifically, the actuating module 4 serves to detect at least one manual actuation by a user's hand. For clarity, a coordinate system is shown, comprising a longitudinal axis X, a transverse axis Y, and a vertical axis Z.

[0028] The actuation module 4 can be located in a handle module 5 of the door 2 or the tailgate 3 or a vehicle pillar 6, for example the A-pillar and / or B-pillar of the vehicle 1.

[0029] The actuation module 4 enables the simple activation of a corresponding function of the vehicle 1, such as opening or closing the door 2, unlocking or locking a tailgate or front hatch lock, or opening or closing the tailgate 3. The vehicle 1 can be equipped with several actuation modules 4 for this purpose.

[0030] Figure 2 Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective front view of a handle module 5, in particular an external door handle 51. The handle module 5 can, for example, have a first surface 53 facing an external environment. The first surface 53 can be formed, at least in part, from an elastically deformable and / or flexible plastic.

[0031] Figure 3 schematically shows the door handle 51 in a perspective rear view. Figure 2Various sensors are integrated into such an external door handle 51. These external door handles 51 should be as narrow, thin, and compact as possible to visually enhance the exterior of a vehicle and be easy to use. The handle module 5 can, for example, have a second surface 54 facing the outside. This second surface 54 can be made, at least partially, of an elastically deformable and / or flexible plastic.

[0032] Figure 4Figure 1 schematically shows a front view of an actuating unit 7 of the actuating module 4 for triggering switching functions, for example, for unlocking and opening or locking and closing the electronic locking system 80 of the vehicle 1. The actuating unit 7 shown here is, for example, integrated or embedded in a door handle cover 52 with externally actuating surfaces 71 to 73. In a further embodiment, the actuating unit 7 can form a cover, for example, a door handle cover 52 or a vehicle exterior cover, with integrated actuating surfaces 71 to 73. The actuating unit 7 can, for example, have a surface 77 facing an external environment. The surface 77 can be formed, at least in part, from an elastically deformable and / or flexible plastic. For example, the actuating surfaces 71 to 73 are formed, at least in part, from an elastically deformable and / or flexible plastic.

[0033] The door handle cover 52 and / or actuating unit 7 is, for example, a plastic part. The actuating unit 7 is designed to be elastically deformable. For example, the door handle cover 52 can be designed to be elastically deformable at least in the area containing the actuating unit 7. In a further embodiment, the door handle cover 52 can form the actuating unit 7, or conversely, the actuating unit 7 can form a door handle cover 52. The door handle cover 52 can also be designed to be completely elastically deformable.

[0034] The actuating surfaces 71 to 73 can be designed as actuated sensor surfaces. For example, the sensor surfaces are formed by several electrodes, such as surface electrodes, main electrodes and auxiliary electrodes.

[0035] The operating surfaces 71 to 73 can be color-coded and / or marked with a pattern, lettering or an image.

[0036] The door handle cover 52 and / or actuation unit 7 includes / includes a first actuation surface 71. The first actuation surface 71 includes, for example, an NFC communication interface, via which, for example, a switching function and / or communication of the vehicle 1 can be activated wirelessly.

[0037] The door handle cover 52 and / or actuation unit 7 includes a second actuation surface 72. The second actuation surface 72 is designed, for example, to detect the activation of a door switching function, in particular a door unlocking function and / or door opening function, by a user. The second actuation surface 72 is elastically deformable. The user can move the actuation surface 72 by a few micrometers. The user can activate the switching function, in particular the door switching function, with very little pressure.

[0038] The door handle cover 52 and / or actuation unit 7 includes a third actuation surface 73. The third actuation surface 73 is designed, for example, to detect an actuation of a further door switching function, in particular a door locking function and / or door closing function, by a user.

[0039] The actuation unit 7 comprises, for example, at least one actuation element 74 connected to the second actuation surface 72, as shown in Figure 9 and 10 The actuating element 74 is, for example, designed in the form of a pin, a nose, a protrusion, or a pen. When actuated, the actuating surface 72 is oriented towards an internal actuating sensor 8, as shown in Figure 9 and 10depicted, and / or a sensor arrangement elastically deformable such that the actuating element 74 is movable within a µm range to trigger the switching function. The actuating element 74 can be designed to be deformable in a further development.

[0040] Figure 5 schematically shows the door handle cover 52 and the actuation unit 7 in a rear view. Figure 4 .

[0041] For example, two detection sensors 75 are arranged in the area of ​​the second actuation surface 72. These sensors can detect the approach of a user, in particular a hand and / or fingers. Depending on a detection signal from the sensors 75, an actuation signal or trigger signal can be generated that can be triggered by the second actuation surface 72, for example, to unlock and optionally also to open the locking system 80.

[0042] Actuating unit 7 is a component of actuating module 4.

[0043] Figure 6 schematically shows in front view an actuation module 4 for an electronic locking system 80 without housing and / or cover.

[0044] The actuation module 4 comprises at least one printed circuit board 9. Depending on a possible or alternative design of the actuation sensor 8, a first sensor element (not shown in detail) can form a measuring electrode with the printed circuit board 9, and a second sensor element (not shown in detail) can form a counter electrode, or vice versa.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation sensor 8 comprises at least one movable, for example at least partially flexible, triggering element 81. The actuation sensor 8 comprises a sensor element 83 fixedly arranged on the circuit board 9, as shown in Figure 7 , 9 and 10The trigger element 81 is designed to be movable relative to the fixed sensor element 83. The trigger element 81 is, for example, U-shaped. The trigger element 81 can be attached to the circuit board 9 at each end and spaced apart from the fixed sensor element 83. The fixed sensor element 83 and / or the detection sensors 75 arranged on the circuit board 9 can each form a fixed electrode. The trigger element 81 forms a counter electrode that is movable relative to the fixed electrode.

[0046] The release element 81 is a so-called MOC sheet. For example, the release element 81 is a metal sheet or a spring element made of metal.

[0047] The actuation module 4 comprises an evaluation unit 10, which is, for example, part of the sensor electronics of the actuation module 4. A change in capacitance of the capacitive actuation sensor 8 can be determined by means of the evaluation unit 10, which is primarily electronic. The change in capacitance is determined based on a decrease in the distance between the release element 81 and the fixed sensor element 83 and / or the detection sensors 75. The sensor element 83 and / or the detection sensors 75 are, for example, capacitive sensors that detect a change in distance between themselves and the release element 81 based on a change in capacitance. The release element 81 can be moved by the actuation unit 7. Even a change in distance and / or movement in the micrometer range can be detected by means of the evaluation unit 10. The actuation element 74 is, for example, in contact with or directly attached to the release element 81.

[0048] Furthermore, an antenna 11 and a locking sensor surface 12 are arranged on the circuit board 9, which are assigned to the corresponding actuation surfaces 71 and 73.

[0049] Figure 7 schematically shows the actuation module 4 in side view. Figure 6 For example, the circuit board 9 is equipped on both sides with a fixed sensor element 83 and a release element 81 that is movably arranged relative to the corresponding sensor element 83, and is in particular designed to be elastically deformable. A first release element 81 serves, for example, to trigger the locking system unlocking function. A second release element 81 serves, for example, to trigger the locking system opening function.

[0050] Figure 8 The diagram schematically shows the actuation module 4 from below. Figure 6The circuit board 9 is, for example, equipped with release sensor surfaces 13, which are assigned, for example, to the detection sensors 75. One of the release elements 81 is arranged between these.

[0051] Figure 9 The figure schematically shows a sectional view of an actuating module 4 for an electronic locking system 80. The actuating module 4 according to Figure 9 For example, a door handle 51 has switching functions that can be operated on both sides of the door handle 51.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating module 4 comprises two actuating units 7, for example, one actuating unit 7 each on the front and back of a handle module 5. For example, one of the actuating units 7 forms the front and the other of the actuating units 7 forms the back of a handle module 5. The actuating units 7 enclose an interior space 76 between them.

[0053] The actuation module 4 comprises two actuation sensors 8 arranged in an interior 76 of the actuation units 7 for triggering at least one switching function of the vehicle 1. The actuation units 7 each have a number of actuation surfaces 71 to 73, 720 directed towards an external environment and each have an inwardly directed actuation element 74, 740. The respective actuation element 74, 740 is fixedly connected to its associated actuation surface 71 to 73, 720.

[0054] The actuation surfaces 71 to 73, 720 are at least partially elastically deformable and / or flexible. When the respective actuation surface 71 to 73, 720 is actuated in the direction of the associated actuation sensor 8, the corresponding actuating element 74, 740 exerts an actuation stroke H.

[0055] The respective actuation sensor 8 is configured to detect an actuation stroke H at least in a micrometer range and to generate a trigger signal to trigger an associated switching function.

[0056] The respective actuation surface 71 to 73, 720 is provided on the inside with the actuating element 74, 740, which can be moved along with the actuating surface 71 to 73, 720 in such a way that the actuating element 74, 740 engages at a point with the associated release element 81 of the corresponding actuating sensor 8 and deforms the sensor at least in some areas, in particular bending it.

[0057] An evaluation unit 10 is provided in the interior 76 of the actuation units 7, which is at least signal-wise connected to the actuation sensors 8. The evaluation unit 10 is configured to trigger a switching signal for the switching function depending on the signals detected by the actuation sensors 8.

[0058] The actuation module 4 is designed as a so-called MOC module (= metal-over-cap module), in which internal electronic components 20, for example electrodes and / or other electronic components 20, and the capacitive actuation sensor 8 are encapsulated externally.

[0059] The actuating element 74 is arranged on an inner side of the second actuating surface 72. The actuating surface 72 and the actuating element 74 are, for example, formed as a single unit.

[0060] Furthermore, the actuating unit 7 has an actuating surface 720 opposite the second actuating surface 72, which, for example, forms the back of the external door handle 51. The actuating surface 720 is also provided with an actuating element 740, which interacts with the actuating sensor 8 arranged on the rear of the circuit board 9, in particular with the rear release element 81.

[0061] The actuation surfaces 72 and 720 are each designed as door handle covers 52 and are connected to each other. For example, actuation surfaces 72 and 720 are at least materially bonded in a connection area by means of a seal 30. The actuation surfaces 72 and 720 are elastically deformable plastic parts.

[0062] An interior space 76 enclosed between the actuating surfaces 72, 720 is, for example, filled with a potting material 40. However, no potting material 40 is provided between the respective release element 81 and the circuit board 9. The respective release element 81 is arranged at a distance from the circuit board 9. The respective release element 81 is, for example, box-shaped and encloses a space between itself and the circuit board 9.

[0063] Figure 10The schematic cross-sectional view shows another actuation module 4 for an electronic locking system 80. The actuation module 4 according to Figure 10 For example, it is integrated into a vehicle pillar 6 or into a decorative element and can be operated from one side, i.e. from the outside of the vehicle.

[0064] The actuation module 4 is designed as a so-called MOC module (= metal-over-cap module), in which internal sensor components, for example electrodes, and thus the capacitive actuation sensor 8 are encapsulated from the outside.

[0065] The outwardly facing actuation surface 72 is, for example, a column cover or a vehicle outer skin. The actuation surface 72 is designed to be elastically deformable.

[0066] For example, the actuating surface 72 is at least materially bonded to the vehicle pillar 6 in a connection area by means of a seal 30. The actuating surface 72 is an elastically deformable plastic part.

[0067] An interior space 76 enclosed between the actuating surface 72 is, for example, filled with a potting material 40. However, no potting material 40 is provided between the release element 81 and the circuit board 9. The release element 81 is arranged at a distance from the circuit board 9. The release element 81 is, for example, box-shaped and encloses a space between itself and the circuit board 9.

[0068] Figure 11Figure 1 schematically shows a sectional view of an actuation sensor 8 of an actuation module 4 for an electronic locking system 80. The respective release element 81 of the actuation sensor 8 can, for example, be surrounded by a cover element 82. The cover element 82 is, for example, a plastic cover that protects the release element 81 from the potting material 40. The cover element 82 is designed to be elastically deformable in order to transmit an actuation deformation of the actuation unit 7.

[0069] Figure 12 schematically shows a block diagram illustrating the operation of the actuating module 4.

[0070] The actuation module 4 includes an evaluation unit 10, which is, for example, part of the sensor electronics of the actuation module 4. A change in the capacitance of the capacitive actuation sensor 8 can be determined by means of the evaluation unit 10, which is primarily electronic.

[0071] The electronic evaluation unit 10 comprises an analog-to-digital converter 50 and a microprocessor 60, wherein the analog-to-digital converter 50 is used to convert the detected capacitance changes into digital values ​​and the microprocessor 60 is used to process the digital values ​​and generate the trigger signal. A high-resolution analog-to-digital converter 50 enables reliable detection and triggering of the switching function.

[0072] The analog-to-digital converter 50 is connected to the actuation sensor 8 or the actuation sensors 8 via a signal connection and is configured to reliably detect an actuation stroke H of the respective actuation sensor 8 in a micrometer range.

[0073] For example, the analog-to-digital converter 50 is configured as a 16-bit, 24-bit, or 32-bit converter, in particular as a high-resolution converter. This allows for the detection of small deformations of the actuation sensor 8 and the resulting small changes in capacitance and consequently small actuation deformations or deformations, whereby a deformation of the actuation unit 7 of just a few micrometers, for example, a maximum of 10 µm or less, is detected, and thus a trigger signal can be generated even with a detected small deformation of the actuation unit 7.

[0074] The change in capacitance is triggered and determined by a decrease in the distance between the triggering element 81 and the fixed sensor element 83. The actuation sensor 8 is, for example, a capacitive sensor that can detect a change in distance between the sensor element 83 and the triggering element 81 by sensing a change in capacitance. In its initial state, the triggering element 81 is positioned at a distance from the sensor element 83, and in an actuated or triggered state, it is moved closer to the sensor element 83, in particular, deformed.

[0075] The evaluation unit 10 can detect changes in distance and / or movement in the micrometer range. For example, the actuating element 74 is in contact with or directly adjacent to the triggering element 81. A change in capacitance can be detected by a change in the distance between the triggering element 81 and the sensor element 83.

[0076] The fixed sensor element 83, arranged on the circuit board 9, can form a fixed electrode. The trigger element 81 forms a counter electrode that is movable relative to the fixed electrode. The trigger element 81 can be connected to ground. An electric field is generated between the fixed sensor element 83 and the movable trigger element 81. The evaluation unit 10 is configured to detect a change in the electric field when the trigger element 81 moves relative to the sensor element 83, thereby affecting the capacitance of the actuation sensor 8.

[0077] The evaluation unit 10 can reliably detect changes in the electric field and / or capacitance. The analog-to-digital converter 50 is configured to detect an actuation stroke H of the release element 81 and / or the actuator 74, which generates an analog input signal, within the micrometer range and convert it into a digital output signal. The digital output signal of the analog-to-digital converter 50 is then further processed by the microprocessor 60 of the evaluation unit 10. The electronic locking system 80 can be actuated via the microprocessor 60.

[0078] In a further training, the microprocessor 60 can be coupled with additional so-called transmit-receive units 70, for example, so-called transceivers. The transmit-receive units 70 can be connected to the antenna 11, for example, a so-called NFC antenna, for data transmission and / or communication, and / or to vehicle-side units for data transmission and / or communication. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0079] 1 Vehicle 2 Door 3 Tailgate 4 Actuating module 5 Handle module 51 Exterior door handle 52 Door handle cover 53, 54 Surface 6 Vehicle pillar 7 Actuating unit 71 to 73 Actuating surface 74 Actuating element 75 Detection sensor 76 Interior 77 Surface 720 Actuating surface 740 Actuating element 8 Actuating sensor 81 Release element 82 Cover element 83 Sensor element 9 Circuit board 10 Evaluation unit 11 Antenna 12 Locking sensor surface 13 Unlocking sensor surface 20 Component 30 Seal 40 Potting material 50 Analog-to-digital converter 60 Microprocessor 70 Transceiver unit 80 Locking system H Actuating stroke X Longitudinal direction Y Transverse direction Z Vertical direction

Claims

1. Actuating module (4) for an electronic locking system (80), comprising at least: - an actuating unit (7) and - a capacitive actuating sensor (8), which is arranged in an interior (76) of the actuating unit (7), for triggering a switching function, in particular for unlocking and opening the electronic locking system (80), and - an evaluation unit (10), wherein the actuating unit (7) comprises at least one actuating surface (71 to 73, 720) directed into an external environment and an inwardly directed actuating element (74, 740) which is immovably connected to the actuating surface (71 to 73, 720), wherein the actuating surface (71 to 73, 720) is elastically deformable and, when the actuating surface (71 to 73, 720) is actuated in the direction of the actuating sensor (8), the actuating element (74, 740) exerts an actuating stroke (H), wherein the actuating sensor (8) is designed to detect the actuating stroke (H) at least in a micrometre range and to generate a trigger signal for triggering the switching function, characterized in that the evaluation unit (10) comprises at least an analogue-to-digital converter (50) and a microprocessor (60), wherein the analogue-to-digital converter (50) is provided for converting a detected change in capacitance of the actuating sensor (8) into digital values and the microprocessor (60) is provided for processing the digital values and for generating the trigger signal, and the analogue-to-digital converter (50) is connected in a signal-transmitting manner to the actuating sensor (8) and is designed to detect the actuating stroke (H) of the actuating sensor (8) in a micrometre range.

2. Actuating module (4) according to Claim 1, wherein the actuating sensor (8) comprises at least one sensor element (83) fixedly arranged in the interior (76) of the actuating unit (7) and a triggering element (81) movable relative to the sensor element (83).

3. Actuating module (4) according to Claim 2, wherein the triggering element (81) is in the form of an elastically deformable sheet, in particular spring sheet or metal sheet.

4. Actuating module (4) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (74, 740) is in the form of an actuating tappet or actuating pin or protuberance or lug.

5. Actuating module (4) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (74, 740) exerts the actuating stroke (H) in the direction of the triggering element (81) when the actuating surface (71 to 73, 720) is actuated.

6. Actuating module (4) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner side of the actuating surface (71 to 73, 720) is provided with the actuating element (74, 740) which, when the actuating surface (71 to 73, 720) is actuated, is conjointly movable and comes into point-to-point engagement with the triggering element (81) of the actuating sensor (8) and deforms, in particular bends, the triggering element in a planar manner.

7. Actuating module (4) according to Claim 2 or 3, wherein the triggering element (81) is provided with a covering element (82) formed from plastic.

8. Vehicle component of a vehicle (1) having an actuating module (4) according to any of the preceding Claims 1 to 7.

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